WATER PLAYGROUND WILL REPLACE POOL: Chicot State Park will open a new water playground for the summer 2013 season. The playground, designed by Ackal Architects of Lafayette and built by True Construction of Jennings, includes tumble buckets, water cannons, fountains, aqua domes, a pavilion and bathrooms. The $695,000 project replaces the existing 40-plus-year-old swimming pool, which had been subject to water leaks that adversely impacted area water pressure. In addition to the pool’s increasing repair needs, new ADA requirements would demand upgrades that would be cost-prohibitive. The water playground will be the newest feature at Chicot State Park which includes the Louisiana State Arboretum, vacation cabins, campsites, lodges, a group camp and more than 20 miles of nature trails. The park, located six miles north of Ville Platte on La. Hwy. 3042, is situated on more than 6,000 acres of rolling hills and around a 2,000-acre reservoir. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.LaStateParks.com or call 888.677.2442.

CABINS WIL BE CLOSED FOR REPAIRS: Fifteen deluxe cabins at Chicot State Park will close for construction to correct structural issues. The cabins will be unavailable beginning Sept. 6 and the project will require at least seven months to complete. The park's five standard cabins will remain available during the project.

America the Beautiful Discount: Effective July 1, 2010, America the Beautiful Golden Age and Golden Access pass discounts will not be accepted by phone or online. All passes will be verified and discounts applied at the park upon arrival. According to Act No. 50 R.S. 56:1692.1, 1693.2(A), and 1693.3 any citizen of the U.S. who possesses a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport must present proper identification along with passport to receive 50% discount of campsite fees and/or exemption from day-use fee to any Louisiana State Park and the state park system of the citizen's domicile as reflected on presented identification must recognize such passes for discounted access or services.This means out of state America the Beautiful Senior/Access pass holders will not receive a discount at LA State Parks if their home state does not honor these passes. LA citizens in possession of one of these passes will continue to receive a discount.

OFFICE OF STATE PARKS REVISES OPERATING HOURS:

Entrance stations: open until 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and nights before holidays, all year.

From October through March: open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

From April through September: boat launch: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Non boat launch: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Gates at parks with boat launches: open 6 a.m. Non boat launch: 7 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m.